Gloria Collins Forrester, 71

Born in New York City to the late Isabelle (Fagan) and George Hanley, Gloria grew up in New York City and Garden City, Long Island before moving to Oswego to attend college. She was a 1961 graduate of SUNY Oswego Teacher’s College, and later went on to earn her master’s degree in literacy education.

Gloria was a reading teacher, and later a substitute teacher, in the Oswego City School District. Throughout her career and into her retirement she seized any opportunity to learn. She believed strongly in her motto, “live, learn and pass it on.”

Gloria enjoyed reading, and especially looked forward to meeting with her book club, the Oswego Winter Club. She was also a past president of Friends of the Library, and an avid bridge player.

Above all, Gloria enjoyed socializing with her many friends and spending time with her family. She took pride in the many accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, and always looked to share these with her friends.

Gloria was the widow of Harold “Turk” Collins and Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Forrester, both of Oswego.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Gloria was predeceased by a brother, George Hanley, of Long Island.

Surviving Gloria are her children, Suzanne (Robert) Hoefer, Thomas Collins, and William (Christina Roy) Collins, all of Oswego; four granddaughters, Mary (Justin) Koskowski, of Granby, Katie Hoefer, Kristen Hoefer, and Kara Collins, all of Oswego; two brothers, Robert (Marta) Hanley, of New Mexico, and Kasey (Gigi) Hanley, of Florida; a sister, Lorraine Hamlin, of Florida; step-children, William Forrester, Robert Forrester, Sarah (Rick DuMont) Forrester, Claire Cheney, Mary Harrison, Heather Clemons, and Alexandra Forrester, along with their children; several nieces, nephews, and their families; and her faithful companion, a cat, Hector.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 31, at St. Mary’s Church, 103 West Seventh Street, Oswego.

Friends may call at Gloria’s home, 56 Baylis Street, Oswego, on Wednesday, March 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Oswego.

All arrangements are in care of Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany Street, Oswego.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on Gloria’s behalf to the Oswego County Humane Society, 256 West Second Street, Oswego, NY 13126.

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